If you’ve ever wanted to savor a truly comforting Filipino treat, then you’re in for a real delight with this Suman Malagkit (Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes) Recipe. These sticky rice cakes, wrapped in fragrant banana leaves and gently steamed to perfection, offer a wonderfully soft and subtly sweet texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast, merienda, or anytime snack cravings, this recipe combines the richness of coconut milk and the traditional sweetness that makes suman a beloved staple in Filipino kitchens.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Suman Malagkit (Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes) Recipe calls for just a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering its unique flavor and texture. From the creamy coconut milk to the naturally sweet sticky rice, these essentials come together beautifully to create comfort in every bite.
- Sticky rice (1 cup): The star ingredient that provides that signature sticky, chewy texture essential for suman.
- Coconut milk (250 ml): Adds a rich, creamy flavor and moistness that infuses the rice with tropical goodness.
- Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the rice just enough to balance the coconut milk’s richness without overpowering it.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors, giving a subtle depth to the overall taste.
- Banana leaves: Not only for wrapping, but also lend a slightly earthy aroma and keep the rice moist during steaming.
How to Make Suman Malagkit (Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes) Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Sticky Rice
Start by washing the sticky rice thoroughly until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Soak it in water overnight, allowing the grains to soften and absorb water fully. This step is key to achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture once steamed.
Step 2: Cook the Rice in Coconut Milk
In a pan, combine coconut milk, sugar, and salt, then bring it to a gentle boil. Add the drained sticky rice and cook on low heat while stirring until all the liquid is absorbed. This step infuses the rice grains with creamy sweetness and ensures each grain is perfectly coated with flavor.
Step 3: Prepare Banana Leaves and Shape
While the rice cools slightly, cut banana leaves into manageable strips and pass them briefly over an open flame to make them pliable and easy to work with. Spread a portion of the cooked rice evenly on a banana leaf and roll it up like a long strip. Repeat for the remaining rice.
Step 4: Wrap and Tie the Rolls
Place two banana leaf rolls together and secure them with a strip of banana leaf, tying them tightly. This wrapping method helps hold the rice cake’s shape during steaming and adds an authentic touch to the overall experience.
Step 5: Steam the Wrapped Rolls
Arrange the wrapped suman in a steamer basket. Steam them for 40 minutes to an hour, allowing the heat to fully cook the rice cake and further develop flavors. The banana leaves will keep everything moist while infusing a subtle fragrance.
Step 6: Serve Warm with Caramel Sauce
Once steamed, remove the suman from the heat and serve warm. Traditionally, these rice cakes are enjoyed with a drizzle of sweet caramel sauce or latik, amplifying their sweetness and texture contrast.
How to Serve Suman Malagkit (Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes) Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Suman Malagkit (Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes) Recipe with simple garnishes like freshly grated coconut or a drizzle of warm latik (toasted coconut curds). These add texture and a delightful nutty flavor that complements the soft rice cake beautifully.
Side Dishes
This treat pairs wonderfully with hot brewed coffee or a cup of tsokolate (Filipino hot chocolate), making for a cozy snack or dessert moment. If you want a heartier experience, serve it alongside fresh tropical fruits such as mangoes or papaya for an extra burst of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can unroll the suman and layer it in a dessert glass with sweetened coconut milk and toasted coconut flakes, creating a deconstructed suman parfait. Alternatively, slice the rolls into bite-sized pieces and serve with pandan-flavored syrup for a fusion-inspired flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover suman, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Their texture might firm up a bit, but they’ll retain their sweetness and flavor perfectly for quick snacks or breakfast additions.
Freezing
You can freeze Suman Malagkit (Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes) Recipe for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, steam the frozen or refrigerated suman for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through. This method restores their softness much better than microwaving and preserves the delightful flavors.
FAQs
What type of rice is best for making suman?
Sticky rice, also known as glutinous rice or malagkit rice, is essential for suman because it provides the chewy, tender texture that regular rice cannot.
Can I use other leaves besides banana leaves?
While banana leaves are traditional and add a unique fragrance, you can substitute with parchment paper or foil if banana leaves aren’t available, although the flavor might be less authentic.
Is it necessary to soak the sticky rice overnight?
Yes, soaking overnight softens the rice and ensures even cooking, contributing to the perfect texture that’s soft but holds together well when steamed.
How long should I steam the suman?
Steaming for 40 minutes to an hour is ideal to cook the rice thoroughly and let the flavors meld while keeping it moist without drying out.
What is the best way to serve suman?
Suman is best served warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or latik, which enhances its sweet, creamy notes and adds an irresistible touch.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Suman Malagkit (Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes) Recipe. It’s such a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug from the Filipino kitchen, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own little moments of joy. Give it a go, and let the creamy coconut flavors and melt-in-your-mouth rice charm you instantly!
Print
Suman Malagkit (Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes) Recipe
- Total Time: 11 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Suman Malagkit is a traditional Filipino steamed rice cake made from sticky rice cooked in coconut milk and sugar, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. This delicacy offers a sweet, creamy texture with a subtle coconut flavor, perfect for serving warm with caramel sauce as a delightful snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup sticky rice
- 250 ml coconut milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ tsp salt
Wrapping
- Banana leaves, cut into small pieces
- Strips of banana leaf for tying
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Wash the sticky rice thoroughly and soak it in water overnight. The following day, drain the soaked rice and set it aside.
- Cook the Rice Mixture: In a pan, combine coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture until it boils, then add the drained sticky rice. Stir and cook until the rice absorbs all the liquid and becomes thick and creamy.
- Prepare the Banana Leaves: Pass the banana leaf pieces briefly over a low flame to soften them, making them pliable for wrapping.
- Wrap the Rice: Spread the cooked sticky rice evenly onto the softened banana leaf pieces. Roll them into long strips, then place two rolls together and tie securely using a banana leaf strip.
- Steam the Suman: Place the wrapped suman into a steamer basket and steam for 40 minutes to 1 hour, until the rice cakes are firm and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the suman from the steamer and serve warm, ideally accompanied by caramel sauce for added sweetness.
Notes
- For best texture, soak the sticky rice overnight to ensure softness.
- Passing the banana leaves over flame makes them flexible and enhances their aroma.
- Caramel sauce or latik (coconut caramel) pairs beautifully with suman for traditional sweetness.
- Ensure the rice mixture is not too watery before wrapping to avoid soggy suman.
- Steaming time may vary depending on your steamer; test for doneness by checking the firmness of the rice cake.
- Prep Time: 11 hours
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Filipino
